Equipment for internal bending of pipes for pipelines

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the internal bending of pipes (100) for pipelines, in particular coated pipes, which apparatus has a base (11) positionable in the pipe, which base is provided on at least one side (12), preferably the lower side, with at least one support surface (13) against an inner wall (101) of the pipe (100) to be bent, and the base (11) is provided on its side opposite to the support surface (13), preferably the upper side, on which at least one tool is movably provided for introducing a bending force into the pipe (100), which tool is movable relative to the base (11) via at least one actuator (18, 20) for introducing the bending force. In this case, the invention contemplates that the tool is provided as a tool element (21), which has at least two bending force introducing portions (28, 29) for introducing a bending force into the pipe (100), which bending force introducing portions are each movable relative to the base body (11) by means of at least one actuator (18, 20).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for internally bending pipes for pipelines, in particular coated pipes, which apparatus has a base body positionable within the pipe, which base body has on at least one side, preferably the lower side, at least one support surface against the inner wall of the pipe to be bent, and on its side opposite the support surface, preferably the upper side, at least one tool is movably arranged on this side for introducing a bending force into the pipe, the tool being movable relative to the base body via at least one actuator for introducing the bending force. [Background technology]

[0002] These pipes are used in pipelines, such as those that carry large volumes of liquid or gas over long distances. The transported media can include petroleum, chemicals, and / or water. Other pipes made of different materials, such as copper, stainless steel, and brass, can also be bent. This technique is particularly suited to pipes with a relatively small wall thickness relative to their diameter, as these pipes would otherwise be very difficult or impossible to bend at all.

[0003] Pipelines exist throughout the world for guiding both liquid and gaseous materials over long distances. These pipelines are generally composed of individual pipe sections having lengths ranging from 6 to 18 meters. The pipes have diameters ranging from at least 4 to well over 75 inches, are welded into pipelines, and are laid on the surface, underground, and / or underwater. Often, pipelines follow the general contours of the earth's surface. The pipeline's route can be routed around or otherwise navigated around obstacles, particularly within its horizontal and vertical extents.

[0004] The main challenge in planning and constructing such pipelines is joining the ends of the individual pipes with high-quality welded joints. Directional changes within the pipeline are necessary to follow the contours of the ground and avoid any obstacles in the pipeline's path. When creating these changes, attempts are made to avoid welded joints as much as possible. In the case of pipes with large diameters, directional changes within the pipeline can be created by welding individual pipe pieces with miter cuts. To minimize the number of welded joints and thus increase the reliability of the pipeline, directional changes within the pipe must be created by bending the pipe. Additionally, bent pipes allow significantly better flexibility at the construction site as well as significantly tighter radii during routing.

[0005] As is common with large-diameter pipes, bends are achieved by performing multiple small bending steps spaced within the pipe. Thus, the desired bend radius is ideally generated in the form of a polygon, even if it is indistinguishable from the finished arc. With such bending systems, the operator has complete control over the number of incremental and / or step bends to be generated, the spacing between incremental and / or step bends, and the extent of each incremental and / or step bend within the pipe. An experienced operator can efficiently control the pipe bending machine to generate precise bends in the pipe while minimizing the number of damaged or incorrectly bent pipes, which waste time, energy, and raw materials, such as pipe.

[0006] After each bending process, the pipe and the bending device must be moved relative to each other with high precision. In this case, both the pipe in the bending device and the bending device itself can be moved. The latter variant has the disadvantage that the pipe must be realigned in the bending device. The movement of pipes with large diameters, the precise displacement of the mandrel, and the control of the resulting bend require a lot of manpower and energy.

[0007] Depending on the size of the pipe to be bent, the bending device is generally solid in type and hydraulically operated. Bending devices are generally known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,834,210 and 5,092,150. Such bending devices have devices for gripping the pipe, moving the pipe within the bending device and creating a bend in the pipe. All these devices are hydraulically operated under the control of an operator.

[0008] German Patent Application Publication No. 60028484 shows a conventional bending machine adapted for creating bends in large-diameter pipes. The bending machine generally includes a reinforced frame that secures the components against relative movement. The main components of the pipe bending machine include a bending tool, a mandrel, a support device, and a fixed shoe. The bending tool is a solid body stationary relative to the frame with a curved surface facing the pipe, and the pipe is pressed against the bending tool during the bending process. The support device is hydraulically operated and pivoted toward the bending tool during the bending process. Meanwhile, the fixed shoe secures the pipe. Within the working area of ​​the bending machine, forces are transmitted to the pipe by the bending tool, the support device, and the fixed shoe during the bending process, thereby deforming the pipe. The mandrel is a flexible structure with joints that allows the pipe to bend without changing the circular shape of the pipe at the bend. Such mandrels are known in the prior art and are typically made of spring steel strips or sheets.

[0009] As already shown in the bending devices described above, bending devices typically have three working areas that transmit the force required to bend the pipe to the tube. During the bending process, active force is introduced into one working area by a hydraulic cylinder. The remaining passive working areas are used as abutments and are connected to the active working area via a frame. DE 69603499 A1 shows a bending device in which the central working area of ​​the three working areas is configured as the active working area.

[0010] To bend such pipes with large diameters, large forces must be applied. The required bending devices and mandrels must be made correspondingly large and solid. The equipment required to use such large bending devices, such as diesel units, hydraulic pumps, and mandrels, also has a large volume and mass. Overall, it can be seen that the operation of such (external) bending devices places high demands on the space required during transportation and at the point of use. To the high costs of logistics, the costs for consumables, in particular fuel and energy sources, are added.

[0011] To reduce the workload, German Patent Application Publication No. DE 60028484 also discloses a method for automating bending devices and controlling them with a programmable processor. Automation is necessary precisely to perform incremental and / or stepwise bending with a high degree of reproducibility and precision. Even for higher quality, the duration of the entire bending process should be reduced, and at the same time, the transport weight and energy requirements of the bending device should be reduced.

[0012] The aforementioned device and a corresponding method are known from German Patent Application Publication No. 102008060897. Here, a bending device is provided whose functionally important parts can be positioned completely inside the pipe to be bent. This allows the bending device to apply the force required to bend the pipe from the inside. This reduces the amount of work and the energy required. Furthermore, due to the principle, damage to coatings applied to the pipe from the outside, such as paint, insulation, and / or synthetic resin reinforcement, is avoided.

[0013] JP 58-138523 A discloses a bending device for performing internal bending of a pipeline. In this bending device, there are two active working areas (front and rear), while the central working area is passive. However, the precise application of force to the two separate working areas is a drawback.

[0014] German Patent Application No. 102012012139 discloses an internal pipe bending device in which a carrier is provided with at least three contact elements, two of which are arranged on a first side of the carrier at the ends of the carrier and one of which is arranged on a second side of the carrier opposite the first side, in the center of the carrier, which allows the bending device to move like a rocker inside the pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 3,834,210 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 5,092,150 [Patent Document 3] German Patent Application Publication No. 60028484 [Patent Document 4] German Patent Application Publication No. 69603499 [Patent Document 5] German Patent Application Publication No. 102008060897 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 58-138523 [Patent Document 7] German Patent Application Publication No. 102012012139 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] The object of the present invention is to provide a bending device that can bend pipes from the inside with significantly higher forces and at the same time with greater precision. Additionally, the design of the machine should be simplified to achieve the longest possible service life. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] This problem is solved in that the tool is provided as a tool element, which has at least two bending force introducing portions for introducing a bending force into the pipe, each of which can be moved relative to the base body by at least one actuator.

[0018] This makes it possible to introduce optimal bending energy into the pipe to be bent particularly easily and precisely.

[0019] Another teaching of the present invention contemplates that at least two bending force introduction portions are provided in an outer region of the tool element.

[0020] Another teaching of the present invention provides that the tool element comprises a contact portion, preferably centrally located between the two outer bending force introduction portions, which is preferably connected to both peripheral portions, so as to facilitate support of the pipe during bending in order to avoid unintended shape changes.

[0021] In this case, it is advantageous if the third contact portion is movable, in particular radially, via one or more actuators, so that a particularly advantageous support effect can be provided in the region of plastic deformation of the pipe.

[0022] Another teaching of the present invention contemplates that the bending force introduction portion and / or the contact portion may themselves be elastically deformable and / or expandable, thereby easily resisting ovalization.

[0023] Another teaching of the present invention contemplates that at least one elastic portion is provided between at least two bending force introduction portions and / or that the central contact portion is itself elastic in the direction of the bending to be generated.

[0024] In this case, it is advantageous if the elastic portions are provided by material reductions in the tool element, preferably in the form of recesses in the tool element. A preferred embodiment for this is the provision of elastic regions in the form of ribs and recesses between the ribs. The ribs are particularly advantageously designed to allow the required deformation and, in this case, to simultaneously absorb the required support forces. The ribs can also have a free shape that allows for the desired deformation. These shapes can be determined, for example, by topology optimization on a computer.

[0025] In this case, it is further advantageous if at least one region in the tool element with a material reduction is at least partially filled with elastic material. In this case, it is particularly preferable that the ribs and recesses are completely or partially filled with elastic material. During bending, the elastic material is compressed in the ribs and is thus forced out of the ribs. This provides additional support, especially for thin-walled pipes.

[0026] Another teaching of the present invention provides that the actuator is a hydraulic cylinder or similar linear actuator, such as a pneumatic cylinder, a threaded spindle and / or a piezo element, so that the force can be introduced particularly effectively and losslessly directly into the pipe.

[0027] Another teaching of the present invention contemplates a hydraulic cylinder with one or several pistons arranged in succession, which pistons can be housed in a common or separate cylinder block and act on a common force-transmitting element, which is either a component of the upper tool element or transmits force to it, and which is rotatably supported relative to the upper tool in order to avoid unacceptable forces on the cylinder.

[0028] Another teaching of the present invention is to have the actuator move the tool element away from the base, preferably upwards, and in an arc from the base towards the inner wall of the pipe. This achieves no relative displacement between the tool and the pipe, and between the actuator and the tool. Due to its elasticity, the tool precisely follows the contour of the inner surface of the pipe and is compressed to the same extent.

[0029] Another teaching of the present invention is to have the actuator move the outer bending force introduction part of the tool element in an arc upward and from the base body toward the inner wall of the pipe. This achieves no relative displacement between the bending force introduction part and the pipe, and between the actuator and the bending force introduction part. Due to its elasticity, the tool precisely follows the contour of the inner surface of the pipe and is compressed to the same extent.

[0030] It is further advantageous that the actuator and the bending force introduction portion of the tool element are arranged and formed in such a way that the actuator can move the outer bending force introduction portion of the tool part away from the base body, preferably upwards, and in an arc from the base body towards the inner wall of the pipe.

[0031] Another teaching of the present invention contemplates that the lower contact surface be formed in an arched shape, thus making it easier to set the optimum bend for the pipe.

[0032] Another teaching of the present invention contemplates that the base body is provided with a traveling mechanism for moving within the pipe, thereby allowing the bending device to easily move within the pipe.

[0033] Another teaching of the present invention is that the travel mechanism comprises at least two travel mechanism elements, preferably rollers, preferably located before and after the end face and / or the lower contact element, and preferably retractable via spring elements, which can easily enable reliable movement within the interior space of the pipe.

[0034] Another teaching of the present invention provides that at least one traveling mechanism element is arranged in the region of the lower contact element and is retractable within the body via a spring force, which has been found to facilitate avoiding active lifting / lowering.

[0035] Another teaching of the present invention contemplates at least one push rod and / or push chain for pushing the bending device into or pulling it out of the pipe to be bent / has been bent, which push rod and / or push chain can be fixed to a base outside the pipe and driven from there via a mechanism, which allows for easy movement of the bending device inside the pipe.

[0036] Another teaching of the present invention contemplates that the position of the machine within the pipe can be detected via the push rod / push chain, which facilitates precise position control of the device within the pipe.

[0037] Another teaching of the present invention contemplates that the push rod / push chain is held torsionally rigidly at its base outside the pipe, thereby significantly preventing or at least detecting rotation of the bending device within the pipe.

[0038] Another teaching of the present invention provides for at least one roller in the upper region of the base and / or tool, which is not elastically supported like the lower roller, but protrudes from the tool shape at an adjustable interval. After the first bending step, the roller easily prevents the tool elements from abutting on the pipe as soon as the lower roller pushes the machine upwards via spring force.

[0039] Another teaching of the present invention provides that at least one traveling mechanism element is preloaded via at least one preload element to the extent that the base body and tool are free in the air. Preferably, the preload element is a spring element, a pneumatic cylinder, or a partially filled hydraulic cylinder, and the preload is preferably adjustable. When the weight of the machine is exceeded, for example, by the tool element abutting in the pipe or by the upper roller abutting after the tool element is unloaded, the preloaded spring begins to sink. Due to the translation movement, in the case of a curved pipe, both the lower roller and the upper roller of the traveling mechanism abut. When traveling through a straight pipe, the upper roller abuts.

[0040] Another teaching of the present invention provides that the tool element is in contact with the inner wall of the pipe to be bent substantially over the entire surface, preferably on one side of the tool element, preferably on the upper side, over the entire length thereof, by means of at least two bending force introduction portions.

[0041] Another teaching of the present invention provides that at least one contact element and / or at least one bending force introduction part is covered with an element made of plastic, brass, aluminum or wood.

[0042] Another teaching of the present invention contemplates that the tool element and / or base body have a diameter, in an unloaded state, that is smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe, thereby allowing the device to move within the pipe.

[0043] Another teaching of the present invention contemplates that the tool be at least partially slit in its longitudinal direction to allow for some radial elastic expansion.

[0044] Another teaching of the present invention contemplates that the tooling element extends beyond the end face of the base body on at least one side, such that at least an overhang region exists.

[0045] Another teaching of the present invention contemplates that the base and / or tool element may be constructed in two pieces, preferably in the form of an inner base and an outer base and / or an inner tool element and an outer tool element.

[0046] Another teaching of the present invention provides that the outer base body and / or the outer tool element are provided in the form of a cover element, preferably made of plastic.

[0047] Another teaching of the present invention provides for a multi-part tool element, which is made up of at least two bending force introduction parts connected to each other and one contact part, preferably formed elastically.

[0048] In this case, it is advantageous if the contact part consists of at least two bars, the bars are connected to at least two bending force-introducing parts, and at least two rib elements are arranged on the bars.

[0049] In this case, it is furthermore advantageous if the rib elements attached to one side of each bar are arched, with the connection preferably being loose. Optionally, it is advantageous if the rib elements have a meshing engagement with the bar, which prevents significant deformation of the ribs and achieves good support in the pipe.

[0050] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least two rib elements are provided with a spacing, whereby an intermediate space is present, whereby the rib elements can move towards each other within the intermediate space.

[0051] In this case, it is particularly advantageous if at least one elastically deformable element is provided in the intermediate space, which is capable of elastically deforming when the rib moves into the space, supporting the rib element and / or moving outward in a bead-like manner, thereby providing support for the pipe to be bent.

[0052] Another teaching of the invention provides that at least one actuator is provided in the region of the contact part, advantageously one actuator (20') each centrally located under at least two bars.

[0053] In the following, the invention will be explained in detail by preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0054] [Figure 1] 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a bending device according to the invention in a pipe to be bent. [Figure 2] 3D view of Figure 1 [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of the vertical axis of Figure 1 [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view transverse to the longitudinal axis of a portion of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of the bending device according to the invention having a travel mechanism; [Figure 6] Second side view of FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a side view of a third embodiment of a bending device according to the invention having a running mechanism and a push rod; [Figure 8] 3D view of Figure 7 [Figure 9] 3D view of the push rod guide in Figures 7 and 8 [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of the bending device according to the invention, having a running mechanism and a protruding bending tool; [Figure 11] 3D partial view of Figure 10 [Figure 12] FIG. 5 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of the bending device according to the invention, having a travel mechanism, a protruding bending tool and a cover for the contact part; [Figure 13] 3D view of Fig. 12 [Figure 14] 14 is a side view of the basic configuration without the cover for the embodiment of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 3D view of Fig. 14 [Figure 16] A side view of the vertical axis of FIG. 13 [Figure 17] FIG. 6 is a side view of a sixth embodiment of the bending device according to the present invention; [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a side view, transverse to the longitudinal axis, of a portion of a sixth embodiment of the device according to the invention; [Figure 19] Partial view of Figure 17 in the bent state DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] 1 shows a first pipe bending device 10 according to the invention, which has a base body 11. In this case, the base body 11 comprises an underside 12. In the center, the underside 12 comprises a lower contact surface 13. Here, the underside 12 is preferably formed in a completely arched shape. Alternatively, a partially arched shape is also possible.

[0056] Similarly, although not shown, the pipe bending apparatus 10 can be tilted up to 90 degrees for horizontal bending of the pipe 100.

[0057] In this case, the arch shape is intended to have a radius that is narrower than the final intended radius of the finished bent pipe 100. In this case, the bend of the lower side 12 is substantially convex. In this case, the shape of the contact surface 13 can be formed as a freeform shape in order to achieve optimal roundness of the pipe after bending.

[0058] Preferably, the substrate 11 is integrally formed. The substrate may optionally be split lengthwise, for example, to facilitate manufacturability of the substrate 11.

[0059] Furthermore, the base body 11 here preferably comprises a curved upper side 14 which has a maximum value above the lower contact surface 13. The upper side 14 comprises a concave shape at the end face 15 of the pipe bending device 10, as shown in Figure 2. The base body 11 is preferably designed so that it can absorb as high forces as possible and at the same time provides sufficient space for the required attachment and tool elements 21.

[0060] Inside the base body 11, on the front and rear sides thereof, recesses 16 are provided which are connected to channels 17. In the recesses 16, actuators 18, here preferably hydraulic cylinders, are arranged which can be advanced upward in the direction of the arrow A and retracted in the opposite direction to the direction of the arrow A.

[0061] Additionally, as shown in Figure 3, in the region of the lower contact surface 13, in the upper side 14 between the recesses 16, further recesses 19 can be provided, in which one or more further actuators 20, here preferably hydraulic cylinders, are arranged, which can also be advanced and retracted in the direction of the arrow A.

[0062] In the channel 17, connection lines (not shown) between the actuators 18 for energy supply and control can be provided. Connection means (not shown) to the actuator 20 or other actuators, if provided, are also present. Preferably, these are hydraulic lines and valves, as well as cables to allow connection of sensors or lines for electrically driven actuators and for the travel mechanism.

[0063] On the upper side 14, a tool element 21 is arranged. This tool element has a lower side 22, which preferably coincides with the upper side 14 of the base body 11 so that it can be placed thereon. The lower side 22 of the tool element 21 has a corresponding recess 23 that is placed over the recess 16. Furthermore, the lower side 22 has a recess 24 that is correspondingly placed over the recess 19 when the tool element 21 is placed on the base body 11.

[0064] The recesses 23, 24 are provided with a contact surface 25, 26 respectively against which a contact surface 36 of the actuator 18, 20 acts when it moves in the direction of the arrow A, and the actuator 18, 20 accordingly exerts a force in the direction of the arrow.

[0065] Furthermore, the tool element 21 comprises an upper side 27. In this case, the upper side 27 is preferably formed so that, in the contact area with the inner wall 101 of the pipe 100, it substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the pipe 100 to be bent. In the unloaded state, the radius can be small or the same so that the pipe bending device 10 can move in and out of the pipe. In the loaded state, the radius can, for example, be enlarged if necessary.

[0066] Preferably, the upper side 27 comprises two outer bending force introduction portions 28 and one central contact portion 29 .

[0067] The outer bending force introduction portion 28 and the central contact portion 29 are here preferably separated from each other by an elastic deformation portion 30 .

[0068] More preferably, the tool element 21 consists of one consistent part or several parts mechanically connected to each other. The tool element 21 is elastically formed at least in its center in order to conform to the inner wall 101 of the pipe 100 during bending. Multiple elastically deforming portions 30 can also be provided other than at the upper center in order to introduce stronger / different forces into the inner wall 101 of the pipe 100. The force and position of the force introduction from the tool element 21 into the pipe 100 can be adjusted via the elasticity and original shape of the tool element 21.

[0069] In this case, the elastically deformable portion 30 preferably comprises a rib 31 extending circumferentially along the upper side 27 of the tool element 21 and a recess 32. The recess 32 has a width B. Preferably, the recess 32 is formed with different depths depending on the elasticity to be achieved of the deformable portion 30. In Fig. 3, the recess 32 becomes deeper with increasing distance from the central contact portion 29. Here, preferably, the depth is selected so that the distance between the deepest point 33 of the recess 32 and the lower side 22 of the tool element 21 is constant for each recess 32. Optionally, the distance can be varied depending on the elasticity to be achieved.

[0070] When the actuators 18, 20 are advanced in the direction of the arrow A, the upper side 27 of the tool element 21 is first moved against the inner wall 101 of the pipe 100 until the bending force introduction portion and central contact portions 28, 29 and, if necessary, the upper side 34 of the rib 31 abut against the inner wall 101.

[0071] In this case, the central contact portion 29 is used to support deformation of the pipe 100 and to prevent deformation of the pipe that does not maintain the outer peripheral shape of the pipe 100. In this case, it has been found to be advantageous if the central contact portion 29 is also formed to be elastically deformable.

[0072] Furthermore, it has now been found to be advantageous for improved support to provide an actuator 20, preferably a hydraulic cylinder, which can exert a force in the direction of the arrow A on the inner wall 101 of the pipe 100 during bending via the central contact portion 29. Via the actuator 20, the support action in the central region can optionally be controlled particularly precisely, for example for very thin-walled pipes.

[0073] In an alternative embodiment, the outer bending force introduction portion 28 and the central contact portion 29 can be formed as individual parts. In this case, a recess / space can be provided between the bending force introduction portion 28 and / or the central contact portion 29. Optionally, instead of an elastic portion, an articulation joint can be provided between the portions 28, 29 to allow for more precise guidance.

[0074] Now, when the actuator 28 is advanced in the direction of the arrow A, the outer contact element 28 applies a force to the inner wall 101 of the pipe 100. As soon as a threshold force is exceeded, the outer bending force introduction portion 28 moves together with the pipe 100 in the direction of the arrow D until the arched underside 12 of the base body 11 comes into contact with the inner wall 101 of the pipe 100 at its outer part 35. In this case, the pipe 100 is deformed both elastically and plastically. During the movement of the outer bending force introduction portion 28 in the direction of the arrow D, the width B between the ribs 31 in the recess 32 decreases.

[0075] Now, when the actuator 28 is returned in the direction opposite to the arrow direction A, the outer bending force introduction portion 28 moves in the direction opposite to the arrow direction D. The pipe 100 also moves in the direction opposite to the arrow direction D to remove the elastic deformation until the elastic deformation is removed and only the plastic deformation of the pipe 100 remains. Meanwhile, the width B of the recess 32 between the ribs 31 increases accordingly.

[0076] When the actuator 18 is again fully retracted, the underside 22 of the tool element 21 now preferably again rests completely on the upper side 14 of the base body 11. The pipe bending apparatus 10 is then moved to the next bending point within the pipe 100 and the aforementioned process is repeated.

[0077] A spring or similar return element can be provided to return the tool element 21 to its original position. Additionally, a guide element can be provided which can hold the tool element 21 in a predetermined position relative to the base 11 but at the same time allow elastic and vertical movement of the tool element 21.

[0078] Advantageously, the contact surfaces 25, 26 of the recesses 23, 24 are formed part-cylindrically or part-spherically. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the contact surface 36 of the actuators 18, 20 is also formed part-cylindrically or part-spherically. In this case, it is advantageous if the shape of the contact surface 36 is flatter than the shape of the contact surfaces 25, 26. This is illustrated in FIG. 4. This causes that, when the actuators 18, 20 are moved in the direction of the arrow A, the outer bending force introduction portion 28 and / or the central contact portion 29 are deformed / expanded in the direction of the arrow E and then correspondingly adapt to the shape of the inner wall 101 of the pipe 100 so as to accommodate the cross-sectional deformation of the pipe 100.

[0079] FIG. 5 shows a second pipe bending apparatus 10 according to the present invention, which has the same structure as the first embodiment according to the present invention shown in FIGS.

[0080] Additionally, the second embodiment comprises a running mechanism, which has one running mechanism element 41 on each end face 15 and a roller 42 attached to the upper side 14 of the base body 11. These are arranged on carriers (not shown) and each extend through an opening 40 on the upper side 27 of the tool element 21.

[0081] The traveling mechanism element 41 has a base body 43 connected to the end face 15. The base body 43 is connected to a support element 44 so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow F. On the support element 44, rollers 45 are arranged, here preferably at an angle to the perpendicular bisector of the pipe bending device in accordance with the inner diameter of the pipe, the rollers 45 being arranged on the support element 44 via carriers 46.

[0082] The base body 43 is connected to the support element 44 via preload elements 47, which here are preferably spring elements 48 arranged on guides 49. The spring elements can also be arranged independently of the guides.

[0083] The roller 45 rests against the inner wall 101 of the pipe during movement of the pipe bending apparatus 10. When the bending point is reached, the tool element 21 is pressed against the inner wall 101 of the pipe via the actuators 18, 20 in the direction of the arrow A. The tool element 21 is then moved along the roller 42 as it moves through the opening 40. The upper side 27 with the bending force introduction portion 28 is pressed against the upper inner wall 101 upon reaching it. This causes the preload element 47 to be subjected to a reaction force, which moves the support element 44 in the direction of the arrow F relative to the base body 43, preferably compressing the spring element 48. The lower side 12 with the contact surface 13 is then moved toward the inner wall 101 of the pipe until the contact surface 13 abuts, and the pipe bending process can begin as described above. After the pipe bending is completed, the procedure is reversed.

[0084] 7 to 9 show a third embodiment of a pipe bending device 10 according to the invention, which has the same structure as the first and second embodiments according to the invention shown in FIGS.

[0085] Additionally, a preferably torsionally stiff push rod 50 is provided, which is connected by an attachment element 51, for example to the end face 15 of the pipe bending device 10, for example via a joint 52. This connection is suitable for transmitting a push-pull force, for example in the direction of the arrow G, which is generated by a drive (not shown) and transmitted via the push rod 50 in order to move the pipe bending device 10 in the direction of the arrow G within the pipe 100. The push rod here has an exemplary square cross section. In this case, FIG. 9 shows a base element 53, which here preferably has rollers 54 for driving, guiding, and stabilizing the push rod 50.

[0086] Figures 10 and 11 show a fourth embodiment of a pipe bending device 10 according to the invention, which has the same structure as the first and second embodiments according to the invention shown in Figures 1 to 6, where features of the third embodiment can be added but are not shown.

[0087] Additionally, the tool element 21 is formed longer than the base body 11, resulting in an overhang region 60 that extends over the traveling mechanism element 41. This allows the bending region to be easily enlarged, reducing the surface pressure within the pipe and ultimately achieving the desired overall bend with fewer bending steps, if necessary.

[0088] Figures 12 to 16 show a fifth embodiment of a pipe bending device 10 according to the invention, which has the same structure as the first and fourth embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 10, 11. Here, only the ribs 31 of the tool element 21 are formed flat. Here, the features of the second and third embodiments can be added, but are not shown.

[0089] In this case, the base body 11 and the tool element 21 are made up of two parts, which respectively comprise an inner base body 11a and an outer base body 11b and an inner tool element 21a and an outer tool element 21b. In this case, the inner base body 11a and the inner tool element 21a form the basic structure of the pipe bending device 10 and are preferably made of steel. Here, the base body 11a has, for example, a flat, unbent underside 12.

[0090] On the underside 12a of the base body 11a a lower cover element 61, preferably made of plastic, is provided as an outer base body 11b which also comprises the support surface 13. On the upper side 27a of the inner tool element 21a an upper cover element 62, preferably made of plastic, is provided as an outer tool element 21b, which cover also comprises a bending force introduction portion 28. The structure and function of the pipe bending device 10 of the fifth embodiment otherwise correspond to those described above.

[0091] The cover elements 61 and 62 may alternatively be formed as a uniform elastic plastic part.

[0092] A sixth embodiment of the device 10 according to the invention is shown in Figures 17 to 19. In this case, the structure of the substrate containing the actuators 18, 20 corresponds to the structure previously described.

[0093] The tool element 21 has an upper side 27, which is preferably formed in such a way that in the contact area with the inner wall 101 of the pipe 100 it substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the pipe 100 to be bent. In the unloaded state, the radius can be small or the same so that the pipe bending device 10 can be moved in and out of the pipe. In the loaded state, the radius can, for example, be enlarged if necessary.

[0094] Preferably, the upper side 27 comprises two outer bending force introduction portions 28 and one central contact portion 29. In this case, the bending force introduction portions 28 and the central contact portion 29 are formed as individual parts 60, 61.

[0095] Preferably, the parts 60, 61 are connected to one another via a connecting element 62. Particularly preferably, the connection takes place here via frictional and / or interlocking connecting means.

[0096] The contact element 61 here preferably consists of two parallel-arranged bars 63. The bars can be one-piece or multi-piece. A one-piece arrangement is shown here. Furthermore, several bars can also be arranged one above the other.

[0097] The bar material 63 is preferably connected to the connecting element 62. Particularly preferably, this connection takes place here via frictionally and / or interlockingly engaging connecting means.

[0098] The bar 63 is provided with rib elements 64 which correspond to the ribs 31. These rib elements are preferably arched. More preferably, the rib elements 64 are loosely attached to the upper side 65 of the bar 63. Via an interlocking engagement, the ribs are preferably radially connected to the beam element 63.

[0099] Between the two rib elements, there is preferably provided a space 66 which coincides with the recess 32. Within this space 66, a particularly preferred elastic element 67 is provided.

[0100] Furthermore, it has now been found to be advantageous for improved support if an actuator 20', preferably a hydraulic cylinder, can be provided which can exert a force A via the central contact area 29 on the inner wall 101 of the pipe 100 during bending (see the cross-sectional view in FIG. 17). Via the actuator 20', the support action in the central area can optionally be controlled particularly precisely, for example for very thin-walled pipes. For this purpose, at least one actuator 20' is provided below at least one bar 63.

[0101] When a bending force is applied to the tool part 21 via the actuator 18, the bar bends as shown in Figure 18. This causes the rib elements 64 to move towards each other and compress the elastic elements 67, which then form outwardly one bead 68 each. The bead 68 presses against the pipe 100 and provides additional support to the pipe. The present application relates to the invention described in the claims, but may also include the following as other aspects. 1. 1. An apparatus for internally bending pipes (100) for pipelines, in particular coated pipes, the apparatus comprising a base (11) positionable within the pipe, the base having on at least one side (12), preferably the lower side, at least one support surface (13) for the inner wall (101) of the pipe (100) to be bent, the base (11) having on its side opposite the support surface (13), preferably the upper side, at which side at least one tool for introducing a bending force into the pipe (100) is movably mounted, the tool being movable relative to the base (11) via at least one actuator (18, 20) for introducing the bending force, The device is characterized in that the tool is provided as a tool element (21), which has at least two bending force introduction portions (28, 29) for introducing a bending force into the pipe (100), and these bending force introduction portions are movable relative to the base body (11) by at least one actuator (18, 20), respectively. 2. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two bending force introduction portions (28, 29) are provided in the outer region of the tool element (21). 3. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tool element (21) has a contact part (29) for the inner pipe wall (101) that is preferably centrally located between the two outer bending force introduction parts (28). 4. 4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the contact portion (29) is movable, in particular radially, via an actuator (20) or actuators. 5. 5. The device according to any one of the above items 1 to 4, wherein the bending force introduction portion and / or the contact portion (28, 29) are themselves elastically deformable and / or expandable. 6. 6. The device according to any one of 1 to 5 above, characterized in that at least one elastic portion (31) is provided between at least two bending force introduction portions and / or contact portions (28, 29). 7. 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the elastic portion (30) is provided by at least one area in the tool element (21) with a material reduction, preferably in the form of a recess in the tool element (21). 8. 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein at least one area in the tool element (21) having a material reduction is at least partially filled with elastic material. 9. 9. The device according to any one of the above items 1 to 8, wherein the actuators (18, 20) are hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, threaded spindles and / or piezoelectric elements. 10. 10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the actuator (18, 20) moves the tool away from the base (A), preferably upward, and in an arc (D) from the base (11) towards the inner wall (101) of the pipe (100). 11. 11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the actuator (18) moves the outer bending force introduction portion (28) of the tool element (21) upward (A) and in an arc (D) from the base (11) towards the inner wall (101) of the pipe (100). 12. 12. The device according to any one of 1 to 11 above, wherein the lower contact surface (13) is formed in an arch shape. 13. 13. The device according to any one of the above items 1 to 12, wherein the base (11) is provided with a traveling mechanism for moving within the pipe (100). 14. 14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the traveling mechanism comprises at least two traveling mechanism elements, which are preferably located before and after the end face and / or the lower contact element, and which are preferably retractable via spring elements. 15. 15. The device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that at least one traveling mechanism element is arranged in the region of the lower contact element and is arranged retractable within the body via spring force. 16. 16. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that a push rod and / or a push chain is provided for pushing the bending device into the pipe to be bent / has been bent or for pulling the bending device out of the pipe to be bent / has been bent, the push rod and / or the push chain being fixed to a base outside the pipe and being drivable from there via a mechanism. 17. 17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the position of the machine in the pipe can be detected via a push rod / push chain. 18. 18. The device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the push rod / push chain is held torsionally rigidly at the base outside the pipe. 19. 19. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that at least one roller is provided in the area above the base and / or the tool. 20. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein at least one roller is fixedly coupled to the substrate. 21. 21. Apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that at least one roller extends through an opening in the tool element (21). 22. 22. The device according to any one of the above items 19 to 21, wherein the distance between at least one roller and the base (11) is adjustable. 23. 23. The device according to any one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that at least one traveling mechanism element is preloaded via at least one preload element to the extent that the base body and the tool are free in the air. 24. 24. The device according to claim 23, wherein the preload element is a spring element, a pneumatic cylinder or a partially filled hydraulic cylinder, the preload being preferably adjustable. 25. 25. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the tool element is in contact with the inner wall (101) of the pipe (100) to be bent by at least two bending force introduction portions (28) over substantially the entire surface, preferably over the entire length of one side (27), preferably the upper side, of the tool element (21). 26. 26. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the tool is at least partially slit in its longitudinal direction to allow some elastic expansion in the radial direction. 27. 27. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that at least one contact element and / or at least one bending force introduction part is covered with an element made of plastic, brass, aluminum or wood. 28. 28. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the tool element and / or base body have a diameter, in an unloaded state, that is smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe, thereby enabling the apparatus to move within the pipe. 29. 28. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the tool element (21) extends beyond the base body at least at one end of the base body. 30. 30. The device according to claim 29, wherein the tool element (21) covers the traveling mechanism. 31. 31. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the tool element extends beyond the end face of the base body on at least one side, thereby providing at least an overhang area. 32. 32. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that the base body (11) and / or the tool element (21) are configured in two parts, preferably in the form of an inner base body (11a) and an outer base body (11b) and / or an inner tool element (21a) and an outer tool element (21b). 33. 33. Device according to claim 32, characterized in that the outer base body (11b) and / or the outer tool element (21b) are provided in the form of cover elements, preferably made of plastic. 34. 34. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 33, characterized in that the tool element (21) is made up of multiple parts, and the tool element (21) is made up of at least two bending force introduction parts (60) connected to each other and one contact part part (61), which is preferably formed elastically. 35. 35. The device according to claim 34, characterized in that the contact part consists of at least two bar members (63), the bar members (63) are connected to at least two bending force introduction part members (60), and at least two rib elements (64) are arranged on the bar members (63). 36. 36. The device according to claim 35, characterized in that the rib elements (64) attached, preferably loosely, to one side (65) of each bar (63) are arch-shaped. 37. 37. Device according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that the ribs have an interlocking engagement with the bending bars, whereby significant deformation of the ribs is avoided and good support action in the pipe is achieved. 38. 38. The device according to any one of claims 35 to 37, characterized in that at least two rib elements (64) have a gap (66) whereby an intermediate space exists. 39. 39. The device according to claim 38, characterized in that at least one elastically deformable element (67) is provided in the intermediate space. 40. 40. The device according to any one of claims 34 to 39, characterized in that at least one actuator (20') is provided in the region of the contact part component (61). 41. 41. The device according to claim 40, wherein at least one actuator (20') is disposed centrally below each of at least two bars (63).

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for internally bending pipes (100) for pipelines, in particular coated pipes, the apparatus having a base (11) positionable within the pipe, the base having on at least one side (12) at least one support surface (13) against the inner wall (101) of the pipe (100) to be bent, the base (11) having a side opposite the support surface (13) on which at least one tool for introducing a bending force into the pipe (100) is movably arranged, the tool being movable relative to the base (11) via at least one actuator (18, 20) for introducing the bending force, The device is characterized in that the tool is provided as a tool element (21), the tool element having at least two bending force introduction portions (28, 29) for introducing a bending force into the pipe (100), the bending force introduction portions being movable relative to the base body (11) by at least one actuator (18, 20), the at least two bending force introduction portions (28) being provided in an outer region of the tool element (21), and the tool element (21) having at least one elastic portion (30) between the at least two bending force introduction portions (28), the bending force introduction portions (28) being connected to each other via the elastic portion.

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the tool element (21) comprises a contact portion (29) for the inner pipe wall (101) provided between two outer bending force introduction portions (28).

3. 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the contact part (29) is movable, in particular radially, via an actuator (20) or actuators.

4. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bending force introduction portion and / or the contact portion (28, 29) are themselves elastically deformable and / or expandable.

5. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one elastic portion (30) is provided between at least two bending force introduction portions (28) and / or contact portions (29).

6. 6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that the elastic portion (30) is provided by at least one area with a material reduction in the tool element (21) formed in the form of a recess in the tool element (21).

7. 7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one area in the tool element (21) with a material reduction is at least partly filled with elastic material.

8. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the actuators (18, 20) are hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, threaded spindles and / or piezo elements.

9. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuators (18, 20) move the tool away from the substrate (A) and through an arc (D).

10. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the actuator (18) moves the outer bending force introduction part (28) of the tool element (21) upwards (A) and in an arc (D).

11. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower contact surface (13) is arched.

12. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the base (11) is provided with a running mechanism for moving inside the pipe (100).

13. 13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that the running mechanism comprises at least two running mechanism elements (41), which are located before and after the end face and / or the lower contact element (13) and can be retracted via spring elements (48).

14. 13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one running mechanism element (41) is arranged in the region of the lower contact element (13) and is arranged retractably in the base body (11) via spring force.

15. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a push rod and / or a push chain are provided for pushing the bending device into the pipe to be bent / has been bent or for pulling the bending device out of the pipe to be bent / has been bent, the push rod and / or the push chain being fixed to the base and being drivable from there via a mechanism.

16. 16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the position of the machine in the pipe can be detected via the push rod / push chain.

17. 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the push rod / push chain is held torsionally rigidly at the base.

18. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one roller (42) is provided in the area above the base body (11) and / or the tool.

19. 19. Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that at least one roller (42) is rigidly connected to the base body (11).

20. 19. Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that at least one roller (42) extends through an opening (40) in the tool element (21).

21. 19. Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the distance between at least one roller (42) and the substrate (11) is adjustable.

22. 14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one traveling mechanism element (41) is preloaded via at least one preload element (47) to such an extent that the substrate and the tool are free in the air.

23. 23. Device according to claim 22, characterized in that the preload element (47) is a spring element (48), a pneumatic cylinder or a partially filled hydraulic cylinder, the preload being adjustable.

24. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one contact element and / or at least one bending force introduction part is / are covered with an element made of plastic, brass, aluminum or wood.

25. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the tool element (21) extends beyond the base body (11) at least at one end of the base body.

26. 26. Device according to claim 25, characterized in that the tool element (21) covers the running mechanism.

27. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the tool element (21) extends beyond the end face of the base body (11) on at least one side, so that at least an overhang area is present.

28. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the base body (11) and / or the tool element (21) are constructed in two parts and in the form of an inner base body (11a) and an outer base body (11b) and / or an inner tool element (21a) and an outer tool element (21b).

29. 29. Device according to claim 28, characterized in that the outer base body (11b) and / or the outer tool element (21b) are provided in the form of cover elements.

30. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the tool element (21) is made up of multiple parts, and the tool element (21) is made up of at least two bending force introduction parts (60) and one contact part (61) connected to each other.

31. 31. The device according to claim 30, characterized in that the contact part consists of at least two bars (63), the bars (63) are connected to at least two bending force introduction parts (60), and at least two rib elements (64) are arranged on the bars (63).

32. 32. Device according to claim 31, characterized in that the rib elements (64) loosely attached to each one side (65) of the bar (63) are arch-shaped.

33. 32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the ribs provide interlocking engagement with the bending bar.

34. 32. The device according to claim 31, characterized in that at least two rib elements (64) are provided with a spacing (66) whereby an intermediate space exists.

35. 35. Device according to claim 34, characterized in that in the intermediate space at least one elastically deformable element (67) is provided.

36. 31. Device according to claim 30, characterized in that at least one actuator (20') is provided in the region of the contact part component (61).

37. 37. Device according to claim 36, characterized in that at least one actuator (20') is arranged centrally below each of the at least two bars (63).

Images